Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) 2011
Forest degradation is widespread and continues unabated. Starting from 37 percent forest cover in 1947 it has been reduced to 10 percent forest cover at present. Participatory and sustainable forest management offer a way to foster synergies between adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. The approach can contribute to mitigation of climate change by increasing carbon stocks, as well as the avoidance of increasing future impacts resulting from the loss of forest and burning of forest stocks. At the same time, it can help to enhance ecosystem resilience, reduce the social and economic vulnerability of forest dependent people, and increase the ability of people to adapt to climate change impacts. The science of forestry needs to unravel the intrinsic potential of forests for mitigation of climate change and for strengthening the capacities of local communities for adaptation through local collective action. Integrating mitigation and This was amply discussed at the DSDS2011 meeting at Delhi. In the Himalayan region, the impacts of climate change are clearly evident in the form of reduction in livelihood options and increase in vulnerability to disasters due to floods, soil erosion, landslides, and loss of biodiversity, among others. Forest resources have been looked upon both as important natural repositories for carbon and as local livelihood resources to support adaptation efforts to address the impacts of climate change.
In Rajasthan was one of the richest state in biodiversity but the greed of man destroyed most of its forests. Aravallis are almost barren. No doubt local participation in forest protection is of utmost importance but its mechanized harvesting and greed to sell the forest products at premium, prize that has resulted in destruction of forests of Bhilwara, Banswara and Udaipur and Mt Abu region. Mining is one such activity which is not done on sustainable level. Many a times there is inference of courts, governments to check illegal mining which is good sign but probably mining is such a lucrative trade winning almost one lac per day or more that it always wins over the people craving for the protection of forests.
Ground water level in 226 blocks has gone down, 8 districts of Rajasthan have not ground water and in 10 districts water level has gone down to 5 to 15 meters. Attempts to provide water from Bisalpur are for some time only. What will happen to Rajasthan if there is no ground water . The ground water use by resorts, lawns , big farm houses and even the agricultural activity based on excessive water use has to be curbed in order to prevent drinking water. Plants help in conserving water table, cause rains, prevent soil erosion. There is need to make local people aware to the perils of the lack of water. One news paper described famous Anasager lake of Ajmer as “Septic tank “ . Ajmer has grown by 26 percent and its water use has grown by 50 percent. Puskher lake is almost dry . Will anyone listen and care.
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